employment in usa

[bevray 0]

Dont know if anyone can offer advise on my situation regarding employment here in usa.

Short story, I have worked as an executive recruiter in wisconsin since arriving here for the last 20 months. My employer runs the company with his wife along with other businesses and since working I managed to invoice for placements the highest out of all recruiters (staff came and went). So I was successful in my field, My boss's motto was always to use negative comments to motivate staff. Most days was like walking on eggshells waiting to see what type of mood he was in before you either joined in with his banter or kept your head down and stayed out of the way. I put up with this as I needed a job and I liked what I was doing. Over a month ago they were investigated by the department of labor for not paying us the correct hourly rate, this was due to an ex employee turning them in. They had to pay us back-pay and the day after we received this we were called into a meeting and told in no uncertain terms "you people are going to pay the repercussions for what past employees have done to us". He then continued to use expletives and got more and more aggressive and was verbally assulting a female co-worker because she tried to explain we had nothing to do with it. Anyway it was the straw that broke the camels back and I got up, said I couldn't listen to his abuse any longer and left. My co-worker went back but two days after she quit too as she could not take the continued abuse. I then applied for unemployment, was interviewed and explained what had happened, after reviewing I received a notification stating that I had valid personal reasons to quit, after investigation they believed the employer had done nothing wrong but my benefits had been accepted. A week later they sent another letter stating there was an administrative error and my benefits were denied. I can appeal which I will do, but is this acceptable here that you have to be exposed to swearing and screaming as part of the working conditions. My husband says that it is against the law to use foul language in public and you can be ticketed for it. I am not a prude, I worked in the construction industry back in the UK for many years in a male dominated environment. I did not want to leave my job I had almost two years tenure would have been acruing another weeks paid holiday, had placements about to go through which would have bought a large commission but the stress I was put under was not worth my sanity. Has anyone challenged and won on appeal.

[Wyld Blu 35]

Dont know if anyone can offer advise on my situation regarding employment here in usa.

Short story, I have worked as an executive recruiter in wisconsin since arriving here for the last 20 months. My employer runs the company with his wife along with other businesses and since working I managed to invoice for placements the highest out of all recruiters (staff came and went). So I was successful in my field, My boss's motto was always to use negative comments to motivate staff. Most days was like walking on eggshells waiting to see what type of mood he was in before you either joined in with his banter or kept your head down and stayed out of the way. I put up with this as I needed a job and I liked what I was doing. Over a month ago they were investigated by the department of labor for not paying us the correct hourly rate, this was due to an ex employee turning them in. They had to pay us back-pay and the day after we received this we were called into a meeting and told in no uncertain terms "you people are going to pay the repercussions for what past employees have done to us". He then continued to use expletives and got more and more aggressive and was verbally assulting a female co-worker because she tried to explain we had nothing to do with it. Anyway it was the straw that broke the camels back and I got up, said I couldn't listen to his abuse any longer and left. My co-worker went back but two days after she quit too as she could not take the continued abuse. I then applied for unemployment, was interviewed and explained what had happened, after reviewing I received a notification stating that I had valid personal reasons to quit, after investigation they believed the employer had done nothing wrong but my benefits had been accepted. A week later they sent another letter stating there was an administrative error and my benefits were denied. I can appeal which I will do, but is this acceptable here that you have to be exposed to swearing and screaming as part of the working conditions. My husband says that it is against the law to use foul language in public and you can be ticketed for it. I am not a prude, I worked in the construction industry back in the UK for many years in a male dominated environment. I did not want to leave my job I had almost two years tenure would have been acruing another weeks paid holiday, had placements about to go through which would have bought a large commission but the stress I was put under was not worth my sanity. Has anyone challenged and won on appeal.

I hate bosses like this. I have been a supervisor many times in my field and would NEVER treat my staff this way! Anyway, there are laws to protect you. Contact a lawyer. Your boss creating a hostile work environment is against the law. Working in a place where you feel abused and/or threatened is not healthy for anyone! I would also let him know that you have been denied benefits you should be entitled to for this very reason.

Good luck hon.

-Blu-

[Old Dominion 26]

Abuse in the workplace is against federal law and also against the law in most states. Filing a complaint, or even a lawsuit, is what you should be pursuing while waiting for your unemployment benefit. The guy is a jerk and needs to hear from the authorities. You and others deserve some financial compensation for what you have been put through.

[wannabe_texan 0]

Depending on the type of insults used, hostile work environment may apply http://www.fcc.gov/owd/understanding-harassment.html

Best wishes

[Alan D. 0]

...

with it. Anyway it was the straw that broke the camels back and I got up, said I couldn't listen to his abuse any longer and left. My co-worker went back but two days after she quit too as she could not take the continued abuse. I then applied for unemployment, was interviewed and explained what had happened, after reviewing I received a notification stating that I had valid personal reasons to quit, after investigation they believed the employer had done nothing wrong but my benefits had been accepted. A week later they sent another letter stating there was an administrative error and my benefits were denied. I can appeal which I will do, but is this

I'm in a different state, but my work involves a good knowledge of Unemployment Insurance policies. Unemployment rules are implemented differently state to state, but I can tell you one thing: if you voluntarily quit, you are probably not going to be allowed to collect a UI check. That's the rules, and I think they're mandated by the Feds. You might have luck if you appeal the decision, but the odds favor your former boss.

What others have said about raising complaints about your employer to authorities is also true, but you need to do that before you quit the job.

my $.02

Good luck to you

[Big Papa Zone 93]

But isn't this "employment at will" sh!t the norm over here? Meaning you can be fired for any or no reason at all?

[Ihavequestions 419]

But isn't this "employment at will" sh!t the norm over here? Meaning you can be fired for any or no reason at all?

No, it's not the norm. It depends on the state. Some states are "at will" while others are "right to work."

[rebeccajo 14]

...

with it. Anyway it was the straw that broke the camels back and I got up, said I couldn't listen to his abuse any longer and left. My co-worker went back but two days after she quit too as she could not take the continued abuse. I then applied for unemployment, was interviewed and explained what had happened, after reviewing I received a notification stating that I had valid personal reasons to quit, after investigation they believed the employer had done nothing wrong but my benefits had been accepted. A week later they sent another letter stating there was an administrative error and my benefits were denied. I can appeal which I will do, but is this

I'm in a different state, but my work involves a good knowledge of Unemployment Insurance policies. Unemployment rules are implemented differently state to state, but I can tell you one thing: if you voluntarily quit, you are probably not going to be allowed to collect a UI check. That's the rules, and I think they're mandated by the Feds. You might have luck if you appeal the decision, but the odds favor your former boss.

What others have said about raising complaints about your employer to authorities is also true, but you need to do that before you quit the job.

my $.02

Good luck to you

Not necessarily true at all.

An employee who leaves a job with good cause can prevail in an unemployment claim. But they will need evidence to present to the Administrative Law Judge. The OP and her friend who both left the workplace can act as witnesses for each other - former employees can act as well.

[rebeccajo 14]

But isn't this "employment at will" sh!t the norm over here? Meaning you can be fired for any or no reason at all?

It definitely is the sh!t and I think it is a tough nut to wrangle for those from the UK, where you have tribunals and the like to protect you.

Best defense in the US - keep copies of everything!! If you are paid electronically, copy out your pay stubs. If you get disciplined in writing, keep a copy. If you get a compliment in writing - keep a copy. If you get any work emails that are either positive or negative, print them out. Keep copies of your annual evaluations. If you notice of pattern of behavior in written or electronic correspondence from the employer - keep copies.

Keep this stuff at home and not in your desk at work.

[rebeccajo 14]

Dont know if anyone can offer advise on my situation regarding employment here in usa.

Short story, I have worked as an executive recruiter in wisconsin since arriving here for the last 20 months. My employer runs the company with his wife along with other businesses and since working I managed to invoice for placements the highest out of all recruiters (staff came and went). So I was successful in my field, My boss's motto was always to use negative comments to motivate staff. Most days was like walking on eggshells waiting to see what type of mood he was in before you either joined in with his banter or kept your head down and stayed out of the way. I put up with this as I needed a job and I liked what I was doing. Over a month ago they were investigated by the department of labor for not paying us the correct hourly rate, this was due to an ex employee turning them in. They had to pay us back-pay and the day after we received this we were called into a meeting and told in no uncertain terms "you people are going to pay the repercussions for what past employees have done to us". He then continued to use expletives and got more and more aggressive and was verbally assulting a female co-worker because she tried to explain we had nothing to do with it. Anyway it was the straw that broke the camels back and I got up, said I couldn't listen to his abuse any longer and left. My co-worker went back but two days after she quit too as she could not take the continued abuse. I then applied for unemployment, was interviewed and explained what had happened, after reviewing I received a notification stating that I had valid personal reasons to quit, after investigation they believed the employer had done nothing wrong but my benefits had been accepted. A week later they sent another letter stating there was an administrative error and my benefits were denied. I can appeal which I will do, but is this acceptable here that you have to be exposed to swearing and screaming as part of the working conditions. My husband says that it is against the law to use foul language in public and you can be ticketed for it. I am not a prude, I worked in the construction industry back in the UK for many years in a male dominated environment. I did not want to leave my job I had almost two years tenure would have been acruing another weeks paid holiday, had placements about to go through which would have bought a large commission but the stress I was put under was not worth my sanity. Has anyone challenged and won on appeal.

Did you get a notice of administrative error - or was it a notice that your employer had appealed the deputy's decision granting your benefits?

In either case, appeal and appeal NOW! You probably only have a few days to file the appeal. Gather any evidence you have. Be prepared to face your employer at the hearing. Be prepared to have them possibly lie about your work performance and about their behavior in the workplace.

Be vigilant and dogmatic. Do not let the ba$tards wear you down. You are entitled to your benefits. Seek legal assistance if you feel you need it.

[bevray 0]

thanks everyone for your comments I really appreciate all your advice.

I am preparing my appeal and will take on board all the information given. I found out from a previous employee that my boss has previously been accused of sexual assault in the workplace, but cos he has the money or the arrogance it didn't go anywhere as the employee did not have the funds to persist with the claim. He is very experienced in law suits and knows how to play the game when it comes to investigations. Also he knows that knowone who still works there will say anything to help us as in this economic climate they cannot afford to loose their jobs. I will post back here when I have an update on what is happening, and again thanks for your support.

Bev

Dont know if anyone can offer advise on my situation regarding employment here in usa.

Short story, I have worked as an executive recruiter in wisconsin since arriving here for the last 20 months. My employer runs the company with his wife along with other businesses and since working I managed to invoice for placements the highest out of all recruiters (staff came and went). So I was successful in my field, My boss's motto was always to use negative comments to motivate staff. Most days was like walking on eggshells waiting to see what type of mood he was in before you either joined in with his banter or kept your head down and stayed out of the way. I put up with this as I needed a job and I liked what I was doing. Over a month ago they were investigated by the department of labor for not paying us the correct hourly rate, this was due to an ex employee turning them in. They had to pay us back-pay and the day after we received this we were called into a meeting and told in no uncertain terms "you people are going to pay the repercussions for what past employees have done to us". He then continued to use expletives and got more and more aggressive and was verbally assulting a female co-worker because she tried to explain we had nothing to do with it. Anyway it was the straw that broke the camels back and I got up, said I couldn't listen to his abuse any longer and left. My co-worker went back but two days after she quit too as she could not take the continued abuse. I then applied for unemployment, was interviewed and explained what had happened, after reviewing I received a notification stating that I had valid personal reasons to quit, after investigation they believed the employer had done nothing wrong but my benefits had been accepted. A week later they sent another letter stating there was an administrative error and my benefits were denied. I can appeal which I will do, but is this acceptable here that you have to be exposed to swearing and screaming as part of the working conditions. My husband says that it is against the law to use foul language in public and you can be ticketed for it. I am not a prude, I worked in the construction industry back in the UK for many years in a male dominated environment. I did not want to leave my job I had almost two years tenure would have been acruing another weeks paid holiday, had placements about to go through which would have bought a large commission but the stress I was put under was not worth my sanity. Has anyone challenged and won on appeal.

Did you get a notice of administrative error - or was it a notice that your employer had appealed the deputy's decision granting your benefits?

In either case, appeal and appeal NOW! You probably only have a few days to file the appeal. Gather any evidence you have. Be prepared to face your employer at the hearing. Be prepared to have them possibly lie about your work performance and about their behavior in the workplace.

Be vigilant and dogmatic. Do not let the ba$tards wear you down. You are entitled to your benefits. Seek legal assistance if you feel you need it.